AFL FAQs - Junior Footy

 

 

 

 
 

Australian Football is a game for all ages, with competition being phased in from under-10s through to seniors (over-35s). The competition in schools is strong and extends across all age groups.

Australian Football is a game which can be played in pairs - kick to kick in the park - in fours, or in a full-on game. The old-timers reckon it's a great idea to take the footy to bed 'get the feel of the footy, get it young'.

 

Young players learn the game at AFL-initiated national clinics such as AFL Auskick, which develops the skills of the next generation.

 
         
 
AFL Auskick
 
         
  What is Auskick ?  

 

 
  Auskick is a national coaching program designed to teach children of primary school age (aged six to 12) how to play Australian football. It's fun, it's safe, and it works. It is held in more than 1000 centres across Australia - in 2000, more than 67,000 boys and girls in all States and Territories participated in Auskick.      
         
  How does it work?      
  Primary school boys and girls of any level of sporting development assemble once a week for 10 weeks at a local club or school at a time convenient to the majority. On most occasions that time will be Saturday morning or a weeknight if that is more suitable. Sessions run for approximately one hour and include:   - Basic movement and ball skills
- Organised fun activities and games
- Small team modified matches
- Responsible, well structured coaching environment, emphasising good behavior and discipline
 
         
  Who runs it?      
  Auskick is an initiative of the Australian Football League. The program is run by football lovers, and each centre is required to be managed by a co-ordinator, and a coaching co-ordinator. It is aimed to have one qualified coach for every 20 participants.      
         
  It must cost a lot?      
 

No way. For only $30 an Auskicker will learn basic skills, and the pleasure of the game in a community environment. And all registered Auskick participants will receive wonderful benefits. And the benefits include:

Junior synthetic football
Auskick Cap
Drink bottle
Auskick membership card involving special offers
AFL Skills Manual
AFL Sticker Album
AFL Poster Book
AFL Captains poster
AFL CD-Rom

     
         
  But is it safe to play?      
 

Medical studies* into Auskick endorse the program as safe. A child could expect to play 43 Auskick seasons before an injury that requires medical service occurs.

*Source: The Medical Journal of Australia Vol 159 6 September 1993.

     
         
  Girls too?      
  Sure thing. Girls are most welcome and are already very much part of Auskick centres. Auskick is fun for all footy fans.      
         
  And parents?      
  Unfortunately parents can't play (you can do that in the backyard later), but Auskick needs the support and assistance of parents. You can learn coaching skills you never knew you had in you!      
         
  An investment to secure the game for future generations      
  During 2000 the AFL Commission invested some $17 million (including various sponsorships and Australian Sports Commission funding) in national AFL Game Development Programs. Finding the next generation of AFL Players is only one of the objectives for supporting the grass roots level of the game. Just as importantly - perhaps more so - is the need to ensure that AFL initiatives help create the next generation of players, supporters, administrators and umpires for all levels of the game in communities throughout Australia, as well as the next generation of supporters for our AFL clubs and national competition.   The AFL 's national development programs are managed by Ross Smith, the AFL 's General Manager - Game Development, and his team, and are largely delivered by the various State and Territory bodies. The AFL regards this investment as fundamental to its role as a trustee responsible for ensuring Australia 's only indigenous game thrives - for future generations to enjoy.  

 

 

 
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